South Africa’s Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has raided the offices of the Department of Communications (DoC), confiscating laptops as it investigates a publicity tender worth ZAR756 million (US$71.6 million), according to a report.
HumanIPO reported in February South African president Jacob Zuma authorised the SIU to investigate the award of a digital migration public awareness tender by the DoC to Media Corner.
The Sunday Independent reports the SIU obtained a court order to confiscate the laptops and desktop computers of DoC director Rosey Sekese, two deputy director generals, Themba Phiri and Sam Vilakazi; and director of supply chain management Lindiwe Nkwe.
The raid comes after details emerged in the Johannesburg Labour court the DoC paid Media Corner a monthly retainer of ZAR900,000 (US$85,000) despite no work being done, where Wisani Ngobeni, former spokesperson for ousted communications minister Dina Pule, sought indemnity from disciplinary action.
According to the newspaper the SIU also downloaded emails from the organisation’s server as part of the investigation.
“The minister requested the SIU proclamation and so we welcome the investigation. It is ongoing and the department officials affected are required to co-operate,” the newspaper quotes DoC spokesperson Siya Qoza as saying.
The newspaper said irregular payments were made to Media Corner, facilitated by Vilakazi and his personal assistant, through the authorisation of a number of purchase orders.
Payments were made between October 2012 and November 2013 after Media Corner submitted 15 invoices to the DoC, with more being made up to January 2014.
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